Kryoni jerked her head towards Kasam. "He wants to talk to you." She continued over to Kasam and handed him a mug of the dark liquid. He accepted it with a nod and took one of his characteristic drinks; it lasted a few seconds, but he didn't seem to actually drink much. Then he tried again, addressing the man with the magic feel (Aaron).

"Excuse me, sir."

Kryoni rolled her eyes at Kasam's politeness.

"He says it's because I need a balanced diet," replied Narya. "I don't think I need to diet, though."

"Balanced intake, then. Either way, make sure you're eating healthy so you don't end up getting sick," said Aaron. Narya sighed. "Narya... I just want us to be healthy, OK?" He then turned to Kasam. "Hello, what can I do for you?"

While they were having this conversation, into the inn walked Elias, who scanned the crowd. He noticed that a fair number of people were in attendance, one of whom was Aaron. However, his report could wait, and so he looked around, eventually spotting the tall shaman and his friend. Making his way over, he bowed silently, his eyes darting as he looked each one over several times.

Richard and David both glanced at the man. "Can we help you?" they said in unison. Neither showed any sign, but both were slightly amused by this.

Elias nodded slightly. After taking off his hat, he looked again at the two of them before saying, "I wish company while I wait." His voice was detached and quiet, and although it wasn't menacing, it wasn't inviting either.

Ricky and David glanced at each other. They weren't exactly busy. Besides, they'd heard most of each others' stories. Maybe this man had entertaining encounters to describe. Or, perhaps he had some interesting news. Either way, Richard said "Sure, if we're the kinda company you're looking for, we're the company you'll get." He took a swig from his mug, smiled, and allowed a chair for Elias.

Elias bowed thanks, taking the offered seat silently. After a few moments, he said, "Elias." It was probably meant to be an introduction, but the lack of inflection made it difficult to tell. Again, it was said in the hushed voice.

"I'm David, this is Richard," Dave said. "So, what do you do? You know, other than talk like Fujin from FFVIII wait with strangers."

"Scout," replied Elias. "You?" Raising a hand, he crooked a finger toward the barman in a "Come here, I wish to order" motion.

Kasam smiled. Kryoni scowled, then yelped when Kasam stepped on her foot, hard. In the corner, Cora ducked her head and squeaked quietly, which was the equivalent of giggling for her.

"I need help with, shall we say, travel arrangements. You seem like a fellow both intelligent and pleasant, so I thought you might know a man who knows a man."

Kryoni started to mutter about just stealing a ship, then shut up.

Artemis scowled. "They seem unpleasant," he muttered. "And not in the good way, like me." He looked at Axelle. "Is it just me?"

Kryoni turned slightly and gave Artemis a come-here-or-else-I-will-personally-eat-your-beating-heart look.

Artemis noticed Kryoni giving him a come-here-or-else-I-will-personally-eat-your-beating-heart look. He looked back, much less intimidated than annoyed, but still turned to Axelle and said "Hold on a sec. I'll be...right back." He then stood up and walked over to where Kryoni was.

David smiled. "I hunt," he said simply. Richard, on the other hand, said."I don't have anything in particular I do. If somebody needs help, they call me over."

David asked Elias, "As a Scout, you must see some lesser-known things. Any interesting tales?"

"Mostly everyday lives," said Elias. "Not much exciting."

Aaron arched an eyebrow. "I wouldn't," he said. "We mainly go by foot, we haven't actually visited any port towns."

Kryoni glanced at Kasam. He looked at Artemis, then nodded. Behind his back, his fingers motioned for Cora to join the three men across from them.

"Ah. You see, I need a little help getting to a certain island. It's not marked on any official chart, but I have the exact co-ordinates. I'm rather in need of people who might be willing to risk a little danger for a lot of profit."

Kryoni grimaced painfully. She hated talking to people. Coldly, she addressed Artemis.

"He wants someone to help him get something and he thinks you can help him do it. You'll need to fight, you'll need a lot of nerve, and you'll need to know when not to ask questions. He takes care of your lodgings, you pay for your own food when we're in town, and when we're done, you get a piece of the gold."

Cora abandoned the quiet table in the corner Kasam had sent her to and slipped quietly across the room to where David, Elias, and Richard were talking. Unobtrusive but firm, her soft little voice cut into the conversation.

"Excuse me, mister. Can you help me?"